A Message from the Head of School

October 30, 2018

Dear Garrison Forest Parents and Community Members,

In our assembly time tomorrow, I will be addressing the Upper School community regarding the horrific events in Pittsburgh this weekend, which came on the heels of the shootings in Kentucky, which followed the pipebomb news and a slew of other tragic and deeply disturbing news items in recent weeks. Each seemingly builds on the horror of the last event: the murder of the members of the Tree of Life synagogue was heart-wrenching both in itself and as a continuation of the hate-filled acts that have shaken communities throughout this country.

As parents and as educators, we have to find and hang on to the potential for hope, even in the face of pain and despair. We have to believe that we are raising a generation that will say "enough" to the level of acrimony and violence that have taken hold of so much public discourse and disagreements. In the Upper School, I will reference our powerful Statement of Respect, which reads, in part: "we celebrate diversity both within our community and our curriculum; we are concerned for the well-being of all people; we seek to build the self-esteem of all people; we aspire to promote the understanding of all people; we recognize the dignity and worth of all individuals." One of our many jobs, working with young people, is to help them understand that differences enrich, rather than threaten us.

As students face these sorts of events, it is important to remember that no two students will necessarily react the same way: their reaction will depend in part on their developmental levels, the way they take in and process information, and the faith and security they have in the people around them. Some will feel and/or show anger, fear, confusion, sadness, frustration - some will lash out, some will retreat, and some won't show any reaction at all. As in any crisis, all of these responses can be appropriate, and we try to support the students however they respond. At school, our counselors have resources in place to support the students as they process these events and go through whatever emotions are genuine to them. In the Middle School, the students will be processing this at a school meeting with Mr. Trinh this week, while in the Lower School (as in all divisions), we have asked teachers, counselors and staff members to check in with their students, to be aware of student emotions and reactions, and to be ready to step in and provide support as needed.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the members of the Tree of Life community, as they have gone out to the other communities that have been torn by hatred and violence. Beyond the thoughts and prayers, though, comes our commitment to supporting our students to be the generation that carves a new and better path to the future.

Most sincerely yours,

Chris Hughes

Head of School